I purchased an Acer Travelmate 7720 from PC World Business(PCWB). I too have a cracked case by the left hand hinge. Now worried that the cracked screen is the next thing about to happen.
The laptop sits on my desk and is rarely moved. All I do is open and shut the lid. The laptop works fine and I have been very happy until now.
PCWB refer me back to Acer as they say they only offer manufacturers warranty. Acer say the warranty has expired.
Consumer Direct say that PCWB have an exemption under the Unfair Terms Act 1977. If you buy as a business customer you are then excluded from protection under the Sale of Goods Act 1997.
I have now read the terms and conditions on the back of the PCWB invoice( something you always read don't you?). It says "we exclude liability for claims regarding the quality or fitness for purpose of goods or otherwise which consumers can make under the Sale of Goods Act 1997".
My mission is now to make as many people aware of the deplorable treatment of PCWB customers. Never ever buy anything as a business customer. Avoid PCWB and dare I say PCW and anything belonging to DSG.
Needless to say Acer will be off my list and by the number of comments below, it is a wonder that they ever manage to sell anything. About to notify Watchdog so if we all start doing the same perhaps they might run a campaign.
Dennis Perry, Bath
February 2010